NDLEA arrests port terminal operator, dock worker for drug importation

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested some suspects behind the recent importation of two containers laden with illicit drugs as well as assorted arms and ammunition from Durban in South Africa to the Tincan seaport in Lagos State.

Among those arrested as members of the syndicate behind the importation were a clearing and notify party of the two containers, Falowo Samuel Kayode; a dock worker, Anjorin Idowu; and Uzairu Ahmed Iguda who is in charge of the Five Star terminal at the port.

Another dock worker at the terminal, Mohammed Muktar Sule, fondly called Organizer, who is equally linked to the syndicate is currently at large.

The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, February 25, 2024.

Babafemi noted that the anti-drug agency, based on credible intelligence, had requested a 100 per cent joint examination of two containers marked MSCU 4581770 and TRHU 7968071 from South Africa.

NDLEA intercepts drugs hidden in loudspeakers at Lagos airport

He said as a result of the request, the exercise was conducted with other stakeholders on January 18 and 19, 2024, during which 56.39kg cocaine and 795kg Colorado, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis, among other illegal items were recovered from the containers.

He stated that an order by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), to a combined team of specialised units of the agency to unravel those behind the importation of the large consignments of the illicit drugs, led to the discovery of more bags of Colorado weighing 192.7kg, a pistol, and rounds of ammunition removed from the container, MSCU 4581770 and hidden in an empty container before the joint examination at the Five Star terminal.

The NDLEA spokesman added: “As a result, two suspects: Uzairu Ahmed Iguda who is in charge of the terminal’s container positioning and stacking, and Anjorin Idowu who is a dock worker in the terminal have been arrested. Another suspect, Mohammed Muktar Sule (alias Organizer) now at large, is also a dock worker in the terminal.

“Investigations reveal that the three suspects conspired with the agent and notify party, Falowo Samuel Kayode to remove the 192.7kg Colorado, pistol and rounds of ammunition from the container to an empty container in the terminal.

The latest seizure brings the total recovered from the two containers to 56.39kg of cocaine and 987.9kg of Colorado with a combined weight of 1,044.29kg.

“Investigations have also revealed three kingpins believed to be based in South Africa and connected with the importation of the containers. They include: Odeyemi Taiwo Emmanuel; Akinyemi Olayinka and Adebayo Adewole Emmanuel who are now on the Agency’s wanted list.”

The Star